Critic Reviews

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95

GameZone

Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is spell-binding, addictive, visually delightful and a lot of fun to play. It can also be frustrating when you forget to save at almost every opportunity and end up repeating sequences to get back to where you were before.

The bottom line is that this could very well be one of the last really good games put out on the original PlayStation. It is an excellent game and well worth the money. Strong gameplay combined with inviting characters make this a “Must Buy” for the mature gamer.

What sets Retro Helix apart from other titles is its unabashed stance on tough issues; what could have been universally childish instead comes off like a sleek, sexually charged thriller worthy of every word of praise you can lay about its unique storyline. While the cutscenes carry much of this load, the beautifully rendered environments and unique gameplay variations on the classic survival horror format contribute to the incredibly addictive experience. The combat controls are smooth and easy to manage and even the puzzles are unique. Basically, Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix was designed from the ground up for adults, and the end result is a game that’s smart, sophisticated and sexy everywhere that counts. While it’s certainly not for everyone, those who have no problem with overt sexuality and tackling deep issues of theology and morality should consider this a must-have game.

Fear Effect returns to the PlayStation with a longer gameplay, an extra character, and added replay value. You play as one of four unsavory characters through this four-CD monster that spans eight levels, including different worldwide locales. The graphics and sounds are similar to those to the first game (that is to say top-notch), and the challenging game play will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours on end. Retro Helix loses some points for the clumsy item management, and some of the game’s puzzles rely more on time-consuming trial-and error than actual brain-power, but those flaws can be easily overlooked when the engrossing story takes hold. Feat Effect 2 is the first must-have PlayStation title of the new year.

While the actual gameplay hasn't been changed, Fear Effect 2 is a much more solid game with interesting puzzles that fit well into the paradigm of hacking computers and juryrigging equipment. It also offers a much lengthier and better designed quest. Unfortunately, nothing was done to fix the original game's horrid inventory system. This makes it impossible to select an item quickly when you suddenly find yourself surrounded after a sudden perspective change, or when a cutscene forces a weapon on you that you don't have any ammo for. Despite this, Fear Effect 2 the game is every bit as strong as the mature content surrounding it.

Besides being a quality title overall, FE2 is about as adult a game as you'll ever see on the PlayStation. You'll encounter tons gruesome monsters, violence, gore, and even a little brief nudity. This superficial stuff is only an added bonus though, and would do little to enhance the game without a good plot and solid gameplay. Fortunately, FE2 has the whole deal.

Despite these gripes, I still look upon Fear Effect 2 with a very affectionate eye and admire all of the positive things, which easily outshadow the negatives. It's a shame Eidos's rampaging ad department has chosen to portray Fear Effect 2 as a lurid, softcore game, especially in light of Congress's constant search for cultural scapegoats—a poor choice, in my opinion. The game also still harbors certain play elements which need to be re-examined for any future sequels, but overall the game's handling of characters and themes will be cherished by those mature gamers who want and expect something more than the accepted norm from videogames. Kronos firmly comes into its own as a developer that deserves much respect by continuing its bold, gonzo approach to adult gaming content, and I definitely look forward to their next offering.

FEAR EFFECT 2 RETRO Helix is the sequel to the sleeper hit of 2000. The first game, Fear Effect, introduced us to 3 main characters, Hana, Glas and Deke. Retro Helix is the prequel and shows us how the 3 became united, through what seemed like an easy retrieval assignment and uncovers a plot that wouldn't seem out of place in a James Bond film. The original also introduced Motion Effects technology into the game that "seamlessly" blends game play and movie sequences together.

Have you seen the ads for this game? Namely the ad which reads "these two ladies put the ass in assassin"? If you like the ads, the game will not disappoint. Yes, fellas, there is a little of the old switch-hitting action, but try not to get too excited because they don’t last long. Oh yeah! The game. I nearly forgot. There are some interesting parts to the gameplay. A heart-rate meter supplants the traditional health gauge, and the bombshells do get to truck around in some interesting vehicles. The scene in which they commandeer a mecha comes to mind. Okay, back to the T&A. Give the public what they want, right? This game will bank on the fact that the main characters are hot chicks who get naughty. It’s a bit of a shame since the animation style, graphics, and polished play quality will be overshadowed by a gimmick.

Having said that, Fear Effect 2 is still a kick with its sharp visual style, crisp sounds, and thousands of tasty, violent, obscene morsels which are sure to stimulate your psychic sweet tooth. A strong game to be sure, but not the sequel it could have been.

Fear Effect: Retro Helix is a game that packs a cinematic punch that few other titles have managed to muster, looking professional and beautiful at the same time. However, the gameplay is loose and imprecise enough to turn off those who expect better control out of their action titles.

Y'all are probably chomping at the bit to see them now, though, so have at it -- I doubt you'll be disappointed. I hope, however, that when Kronos sets to a next-generation project they work on improving their grasp of game design, rather than just coming up with a new set of pretty/dirty pictures to show us.

Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix, when all is said and done, is a game that offers repetitive find-the-key puzzling, inexplicable deaths and an onslaught of disturbing and occasionally sickening visuals. It is a very well presented adventure, and its graphics when not focusing on the obscene are quite passable. The control system and camera positioning often conspire to upset your progress, but the challenge is such that you will probably stick with it to the end. On a personal note, I think Eidos ought to go back to making Tomb Raider games, at least they aren't quite this depraved.